Janella D. “Jan” Myers died at her home in Coupeville on Dec. 9, 2010, at the age of 72, surrounded by her family. She was born Nov. 10, 1938, in Blytheville, Ark., to Edward and Ruby Doss.

Jan was raised in Hughes, Ark. Following high school, Jan went to work in Memphis where she met a young sailor, Hugh E. “Sam” Myers. She and Sam were married on Oct. 4, 1957, at the Naval Chapel in Millington, Tenn.

The Navy transferred Jan and Sam to San Diego, where daughter Suzanne was born. Sam was sent to sea and Jan went home to Missouri to be with family and daughter Christi was born. The family returned to San Diego and when Sam was sent to sea again, Jan returned to Missouri where daughter Sherri was born. In 1963, the Myers family moved to Whidbey Island.

Jan went to work at Main Street Market for a time after which she picked bulbs in Skagit County. Then she went to work with the Coupeville School District as a bus driver, eventually becoming Transportation Director for the district. She left the school district and then began work at the Island County Courthouse, where she served as receptionist and switch board operator. She worked for the county from 1989 to 2004 when she retired.

Jan and Sam purchased a ranch in Coupeville in 1970. The ranch allowed Jan to own horses, a dream of a lifetime. She and Sam raised horses and enjoyed riding whenever possible. Jan loved animals. She was also a gifted artist and enjoyed oil painting.

Jan is survived by her husband of 53 years, Sam; daughters Christi Aus and husband Jim and Sherri Brown and husband Rob, all of Oak Harbor; three grandchildren, Tiffany Ross and husband Danny, Brian Folkestad and Sean Brown and wife Holly; and two great grandchildren, Taylor and Karson Ross. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Suzanne “Sam” Facendo.

Jan requested no formal funeral services be conducted. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, Oak Harbor.